What is Tri-County?

The Tri-County Swimming Pool Association was established in 1956 by swim clubs in the Cherry Hill area. The association has grown to 34 member clubs from Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester counties (plus one from Salem and one from Cumberland). Woodbine was co-founded by Burt German and joined Tri County in 1958.

 

It has grown into the largest single youth athletic sporting event in South Jersey.

 

What are the Tri-County Championships? 

Every summer, swimmers ages 5-18 from each swim club compete against five other swim clubs in their division in a dual meet format. After the regular swim season, the annual Burt German Tri-County Swimming Championships are held over a two-day meet the first weekend in August.

 

To qualify for the championships, swimmers must swim at or under a specified time for each particular event. Approximately 1,500 swimmers compete in the championships which are attended by more than 6,500 spectators over the two days. Individual event champions and a league champion are crowned at the end of the meet. 

 

What is Woodbine's role in 2024? 

The championship meet is organized/held each year by a member club on a rotating basis. Every Tri-County member club has the opportunity to host the championship approximately every 30 years. 

 

Hosting the meet is an incredible opportunity for the host club to raise money for their membership. Some clubs are too small to host and have to decline the opportunity. Woodinbe hosts this year's meet on August 3rd & 4th. 

 

How does the meet work? 

Approximately 1,500 swimmers who qualify will compete for the championship in 66 events. Preliminary heats are held on Saturday. The top twelve swimmers for individual events return Sunday for a semi-finals and finals heat. 

 

Also, the top twelve relays swim on Sunday for a finals and semi-finals heat. During the finals, team points are awarded for each individual/relay finish and a Tri-County Championship team is crowned. 

 

More Than a Swim Meet 

The championship meet has a festival atmosphere with food, apparel and other vendors selling items. Many swimmers have been competing for years and swim year-round with winter swim clubs. The meet is a chance for swimmers to see old friends and catch up with their teammates from winter swimming. "Tent City" is an area of the meet where the teams pitch their canopy tents and the swimmers rest/prepare between races. Tent City is the real center of the meet and is a colorful mix of team colors and the many, many swimmers who are fortunate enough to qualify. 

 

What is the impact of hosting on Woodbine? 

Woodbine Swim Club will be closed from Wednesday, August 1st through Monday, August 5th to prepare for and clean up after the meet. During this time, Woodbine members in good standing will have access to the other local swim clubs. During the meet on August 3-4, traffic will be limited in the area around Woodbine Swim Club, and parking will be available by permit only. 

 

Hosting the meet is a great opportunity for our local community and the swim club to show off the great club and atmosphere that we have here at Woodbine. The Tri-County Championships are also an opportunity to raise significant funds for the needs of our club. With the potential to make tens of thousands of dollars, this event and the fundraising and sponsorships that will raise money should benefit Woodbine Swim Club for years to come. 
 

How else can you help? 

Volunteer

Learn how you can help by visiting woodbineswimclub.com/TriCounty See a list of volunteer jobs and sign up online. 

 

Fundraise

Sell an ad or sponsorship! Or buy one yourself. 

Do you own a business or know someone who does? 

Does your employer have a sponsorship/community relations budget? 

Do you frequently visit the same business? 

 

Simply ask if they'd like to support a great community event that attracts 6,500 visitors and supports the best of youth swimming in South Jersey. For more information regarding sponsorships, contact woodbinegatorssc@gmail.com